🧨 Firecrackers & all the bottle rockets🚀

The 4th of July is here again, which means many people are unknowingly enjoying the final days of having 10 full fingers. Don’t be one of them!!

When I was a kid, I used to go with my dad to Missouri every June and stock up on the good fireworks that were legal there, and not legal in Nebraska. Dad bought bottle rockets by the gross and would light off 36 at a time, using a propane torch to light the fuses!!! The good ole days of Black Cats & M-80s…IFYKYK 🧨

If you’re looking to keep all your fingers, but still want to be outside in the heat enjoying fireworks & the crowds, I’ve put together some info on the best events.

Be safe out there…💥

In this newsletter:

Have a great weekend!

🥇 Peoria All-American Festival - Peoria Sports Complex

One of the West Valley's biggest Independence Day celebrations, featuring live music, food vendors, family activities, and a spectacular fireworks show. A great all-around choice for families and anyone looking for a classic Fourth of July celebration.

🥈 Fabulous Phoenix 4th - Steele Indian School Park

The Valley's signature Fourth of July event with one of the largest fireworks displays in the Southwest. Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, a kids' zone, and a high-energy atmosphere before the fireworks light up the sky.

🥉 Westgate Firework Fest - Westgate Entertainment District, Glendale

Perfect for adults, couples, and groups looking to combine dinner, drinks, shopping, and live entertainment before enjoying a fireworks show after dark.

🇺🇸 Surprise Independence Day Celebration - Surprise Community Park

A family-friendly evening with live entertainment, food vendors, games, and a fantastic fireworks display. It's one of the easiest major celebrations to navigate, with additional viewing available nearby at Mark Coronado Park.

🎇 Tempe 4th - Tempe Town Lake

A festival atmosphere featuring live music, food trucks, water activities, a beer garden, and a spectacular fireworks show over Tempe Town Lake. Great for those looking to make a full evening out of the holiday.

Congress advanced a bipartisan housing package this week that includes two proposals that could have a meaningful impact on homebuyers and homeowners if they become law. One would limit large institutional investors, such as private equity firms and corporate landlords, to purchasing no more than 350 newly built single-family homes, with an exception for homes built specifically as rental communities. The goal is to keep more new homes available for individuals and families instead of large investment firms.

The bill also includes two pilot programs aimed at improving housing affordability. One would create an FHA-backed mortgage program for loans under $100,000, making it easier to finance lower-priced homes that are often difficult to purchase with traditional mortgages. The second would provide grants and forgivable loans to help homeowners make major repairs to aging homes, preserving affordable housing and helping residents remain safely in their homes. While these changes wouldn't have an immediate effect, they could improve access to homeownership and help protect existing housing over time.

It will be interesting to see if this bill gets signed and if it does, what impact it may ultimately have on the market.

A modest drop in rates this week. Still not great…🤔

But the industry consensus is that rates are what they are and likely won’t do much one way or the other in the short term.

Curious what your rate would be in today’s market? Reach out to my lending partner, Aaron Alvarez with West American Mortgage, at (602) 705-9835.

4644 N. 22nd Street, Unit 2025, is in the heart of Central Phoenix & near Biltmore and all of the amenities that make this area so desirable. It has been recently remodeled and has two bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Listed at $350,000 and you can see all the info at 22ndStreetUnit2025.com

1315 E. Pepper Place, Mesa, AZ 85203. This Mesa home had been in the same family since it was built in 1956. Unfortunately it had fallen into disrepair and the owner passed away. I worked with the family to help them get it sold to an investor. We had over 25 offers!!!

Sold for $310,000. 1315pepperplace.com

Want to know when I have similar investment opportunities for sale? Reply to this email and I’ll add you to my list.

Want a brand new home but want to have a reasonable monthly payment too? There are currently 161 new build homes in the MLS, under $400k. And many of them are much closer to where you want to live, and you don’t have to move to Tonopah to get them. Most builders are offering big time incentives now too. If you’re thinking a new home is out of reach, we need to talk.

See the list of homes here.

Referrals are the backbone of any realtors business, and mine is no different. Many of you have sent your friends & family my way over the years, and it is always fun to get that call ‘they said you’re the best, so I’m calling to get your help!’

If you know anyone thinking of buying or selling in 2026, I’d love the opportunity to connect with them and see how I can help.

I’ve seen some pretty elaborate backyard & grill set ups, but this one might have the best view of them all. Can you imagine cooking your hot dogs here this Independence Day?? 😲 🌭

Perched high on the cliffs of Camelback Mountain, this breathtaking mid-century modern estate redefines luxury desert living. Built in 2018 and meticulously designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, this 5,800sf architectural gem captures sweeping mountain and city lights views from every angle especially the dazzling Arizona sunsets. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls dissolve the boundaries between inside and out, allowing natural light and panoramic vistas to flow into every corner of the open-concept layout. The main living areas open effortlessly to expansive outdoor spaces, creating an entertainer's dream with multiple lounging and dining zones.

The chef's kitchen is a true showpiece, featuring top-of-the-line appliances, sleek cabinetry, a massive island, and direct access to an outdoor kitchen for al fresco dining under the stars.

Outside, the pool appears to float above the city, while a built-in fire pit with surround seating creates the perfect gathering space to soak in the skyline below. Every detail from the architectural lines to the carefully integrated landscape was designed to blend luxury with the mountain's natural beauty.

With 5 spacious bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms, this home offers both privacy and comfort on a rare 1.036-acre lot. Built high into the mountain, it provides unmatched elevation, exclusivity, and views that few properties in the Valley can rival. This is more than a home, it's a private retreat in the sky.

See all of the details & photos here.

Property listed by Michael Edery Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty

I’m sick of summer already and I found myself day dreaming of an escape to somewhere cooler. My niece lives in Tacoma and its only 67 degrees there today. We should definitely move there!!!

This house has two things you NEVER see here in Phoenix, a picket fence and a basement!!

Completely remodeled and move-in ready, this beautifully updated home sits on the border of North Tacoma and Central Tacoma-offering the perfect blend of urban convenience and neighborhood charm in the highly desirable 98405 area. Boasting modern finishes throughout, this home features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, updated cabinetry, designer lighting, fresh paint and durable new flooring. A thoughtful layout includes spacious living areas, multiple bedrooms and stylish baths designed for comfort and everyday living. Unique zoning provides exceptional upside, w/ the property eligible for duplex use and a separate entry standing basement - ideal for future rental income, multi-generational living, or flexible space. Fully fenced yard and brand new perimeter fencing create a private outdoor sanctuary, while meticulous landscaping enhances curb appeal and outdoor enjoyment. Plenty of parking is available on the expansive rear gravel pad, making this property perfect for guests, toys, or future development potential like a DADU or another Duplex! Located near parks, dining, shopping and quick commuter access, you're just minutes from the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, Point Defiance Park, the University of Puget Sound, Stadium High School and more - all part of the vibrant lifestyle that defines the North End and Central Tacoma experience. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a turnkey home with strong investment potential in one of Tacoma's most dynamic areas.

See all the pics & info here.

Because if we didn’t laugh…we’d cry